Who may use scarce water? An expedition into the normative basis of sustainable decision-making norms for sustainable water use

authored by

Anna Schlattmann, Naama Teschner, Christina von Haaren

Abstract

Water is becoming an increasingly contested resource. Today, the sustainability of water use is assessed with different indicator frameworks that usually refer to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or other norms. Classifying international norms and the subsequent indicators for assessment according to their legitimacy will increase the practical relevance of assessment results. The classification will enable addressees to differentiate between mandatory obligations in water management and additional more ambitious targets for decisions on sustainable water distribution. This study presents 11 standards for sustainable water distribution which have been classified based on legitimacy and specificity. A literature review identified relevant international norms that were subsequently classified. Suggestions for the implementation of the standards and priorities in assessment methods are discussed. Through the new set of standards, assessment results can transparently be communicated to policymakers, NGOs and business and support them to identify their obligations for sustainable water use.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Environmental Planning

External Organisation(s)

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Type

Article

Journal

WATER POLICY

Volume

23

Pages

556-580

No. of pages

25

ISSN

1366-7017

Publication date

28.04.2021

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Geography, Planning and Development, Water Science and Technology, Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.2166/wp.2021.239 (Access: Open)